Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Maple Glazed Scallops Recipe

Seafood lovers rejoice as these succulent bacon-wrapped maple glazed scallops bring a delightful dance of flavors to your plate.

Sweet maple syrup caramelizes beautifully around tender sea scallops, creating an irresistible combination.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crispy bacon and delicate seafood.

The glaze infuses rich, smoky-sweet notes that tantalize your taste buds.

Seared to golden perfection, these scallops offer an elegant yet surprisingly simple appetizer.

These mouthwatering morsels promise to impress even the most discerning palates.

FAQs

• Are the scallops fully cooked after 12 minutes?

The cooking time ensures scallops reach an internal temperature of 145°F, which is safe and prevents overcooking while maintaining tenderness.

• Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon works as a leaner alternative, but it might crisp differently and have a slightly different flavor profile compared to traditional bacon.

• How do I know if the scallops are fresh?

Look for scallops that are firm, have a clean ocean smell, appear slightly moist but not watery, and have a uniform creamy white or light beige color without brown spots.

• What type of maple syrup works best for this recipe?

Use pure maple syrup for the most authentic flavor. Grade A or Grade B dark maple syrup provides a richer taste compared to processed pancake syrups.

Why You’ll Crave Bacon-Maple Glazed Scallops

• Elevate Seafood Appetizer: Transform ordinary scallops into a gourmet dish with minimal cooking skills, making restaurant-quality bites at home.
• Quick Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet maple syrup with savory bacon and umami soy sauce for a mouthwatering taste profile that delights taste buds instantly.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for dinner parties, game nights, or sophisticated cocktail gatherings where guests crave elegant yet easy-to-eat finger food.
• Simple Cooking Method: Air fryer technique ensures crispy bacon and tender scallops without complex preparation, allowing even novice cooks to achieve professional results.

Bacon-Maple Glazed Scallops Ingredients Needed

• Scallops: Fresh, plump seafood that serves as the primary protein for this elegant appetizer.
• Bacon: Thin slices that will wrap around each scallop, adding rich flavor and crispy texture.

• Maple Syrup, Soy Sauce: A sweet and savory combination that creates a delicious glaze for the scallops.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Parsley, Toothpicks: Parsley adds a fresh herb note, while toothpicks help secure the bacon around the scallops during cooking.

Steps For Bacon-Maple Glazed Scallops Recipe

Step 1: Prep Bacon and Scallops

Slice bacon into thirds.

Carefully wrap each scallop with a bacon slice, securing tightly with a toothpick to keep the bacon in place.

Step 2: Ready the Air Fryer

Turn on the air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F/204°C.

Let it warm up completely.

Arrange the bacon-wrapped scallops in the basket, ensuring they do not touch each other for even cooking.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Glaze

• Maple syrup
• Soy sauce
• Garlic powder
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined.

Step 4: First Glazing and Cooking

Brush the scallops generously with half of the prepared glaze.

Close the air fryer and cook for 6 minutes.

Step 5: Midway Glazing

Open the air fryer and flip the scallops.

Brush the remaining glaze over the scallops.

Continue cooking for another 6 minutes.

Step 6: Check for Crispiness

After 12 minutes total, check the bacon’s crispness.

If you want extra crispy bacon, cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the golden-brown scallops to a serving plate.

Optional: Drizzle extra glaze from the air fryer basket over the top for added flavor.

Tips For Bacon-Maple Glazed Scallops Success

• Select fresh, dry-packed scallops that are firm, have a slightly sweet ocean smell, and look ivory or pinkish-beige for the best flavor and texture.
• Cut bacon into thin, even thirds to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn't burn while the scallops remain tender.
• Insert toothpicks diagonally through the bacon and scallop to secure tightly and prevent unraveling during cooking.
• Adjust maple syrup and soy sauce ratio to control sweetness and saltiness, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
• Watch scallops closely in the last few minutes to achieve crispy bacon without overcooking the delicate seafood.

Tasty Bacon-Maple Glazed Scallops Variations

• Vegetarian Sea Salt Scallops: Replace scallops with king oyster mushroom slices, wrap in plant-based bacon alternative, use same maple glaze.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use sugar-free maple syrup, replace bacon with prosciutto for lower carb option, maintain original cooking method.
• Gluten-Free Coastal Bites: Ensure soy sauce is certified gluten-free, swap regular soy sauce with tamari, keep cooking temperatures and techniques identical.
• Spicy Maple Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to maple glaze for heat lovers, keep core recipe structure unchanged.

Serving Bacon-Maple Glazed Scallops Deliciously

• Elegant Appetizer Platter: Arrange scallops on a beautiful white ceramic plate with fresh parsley sprigs for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Cocktail Party Companion: Serve these delectable bites on small toothpicks during gatherings, perfect for easy mingling and sophisticated snacking.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Match with a crisp chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the sweet maple and salty bacon flavors, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
• Brunch Showstopper: Include these scallops as a luxurious protein option alongside scrambled eggs and roasted vegetables for an impressive weekend brunch spread.

Storing Bacon-Maple Glazed Scallops Correctly

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep them flat and separate to prevent sticking, covering with a tight lid to maintain freshness.
• Wrap each scallop individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month to preserve texture and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange scallops on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through, checking to avoid overcooking.
• Warm at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Arrange scallops in a single layer without overcrowding. Check midway to ensure even heating and crispy bacon.

Bacon-Wrapped Maple Glazed Scallops Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Luxurious bacon-wrapped maple glazed scallops dance with sweet and savory perfection on your plate. Coastal elegance meets kitchen magic, promising a mouthwatering experience that will delight seafood enthusiasts with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 24 large scallops
• 8 slices bacon

Glaze Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) maple syrup
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) soy sauce

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 3/4 teaspoon coarse ground salt
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Drape each plump scallop with a trimmed bacon strip, anchoring securely with a wooden pick to prevent unraveling during cooking.
2. Heat air fryer to a sizzling 400°F, positioning scallops in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure even caramelization and crisp bacon edges.
3. Whisk together a vibrant glaze combining sweet maple syrup, umami-rich soy sauce, aromatic garlic powder, verdant parsley, and a pinch of seasoning to elevate flavor complexity.
4. Generously paint scallops with half the prepared glaze, ensuring each morsel is glistening and coated with the fragrant mixture.
5. Roast for 12 minutes in the air fryer, rotating midway and reapplying the remaining glaze to intensify caramelization and maintain moisture.
6. Inspect scallops for doneness – golden bacon should be crisp and edges slightly curled. For extra crunch, extend cooking an additional 2 minutes.
7. Transfer succulent scallops to a serving platter, drizzling any residual glaze from the air fryer basket for an extra layer of glossy, concentrated flavor.

Notes

• Choose high-quality, fresh sea scallops for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they are dry before wrapping.
• Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels to help bacon crisp perfectly and prevent excess moisture.
• Opt for center-cut bacon slices that are not too thick to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
• Use pure maple syrup for a richer, more authentic glaze that caramelizes beautifully during air frying.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg